Leaning in on his authoritative take on the dubwise soundsystem tradition, Dubrunner kicks off 2023 with a heavyweight four-track salvo on his own Menace label. Building on the seismic impact of his Spirit / Pursuit drop for Jamz Supernova’s Future Bounce label in 2022, Dubrunner’s honed and upfront sound draws on the best qualities of deep-rooted UK steppas, breakbeat and modern bass music.

The Ruthless EP kicks off with the militant stomp of the Iration-nodding title-track, paying homage to the great tradition of UK soundsystem music while giving the sound a modernist slant. The deadly roll and acidic uneasiness of ‘Nemesis’ follows in a deft fusion of breaks groove and atmospheric sound design. Linking up with Sourpuss for ‘Ruff’, Dubrunner explores the crooked 4/4 structure of UK Funky and the shimmering textures of dub techno for a heads-down, immersive workout. Demonstrating the ease with which he flexes across styles, ‘Goes To Outlaws Once’ finds Dubrunner slipping into the low-tempo, chugging headspace you’ll typically hear pumping out at iconic Leeds party spot the Outlaws Yacht Club.

The clue’s in the name, and from his high-profile gigs for the likes of Keep Hush, Fabric and Outlook to his time spent tending the counter at Leeds bass Mecca Tribe Records, Dubrunner has set out his stall as a schooled and steadfast disciple of dub and the many forms it can take.